Export Expo: Melbourne’s North 9th August 2010

Over 300 diplomats, business trade commissioners, businessmen and women and government officials involved in trade and international education attended.

The achievements of some of the nation’s most innovative exporters were on show at Export Expo: Melbourne’s North, a networking showcase held at Union Hall, La Trobe University.

The Expo was opened by the Hon Jenny Macklin Minister for Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

‘Melbourne’s northern region is a quiet achiever when it comes to exports, as it is the home to over 50 of the country’s top 500 exporting companies and contributes over 10 per cent of Australia’s exports as well as 30 per cent of Victoria’s manufacturing exports,’ said Mick Butera Executive Director of NORTH Link one of the groups that organised the event.

The Expo concept was developed by a group of leaders concerned with promoting the future prosperity of Melbourne’s North, including Federal Members of Parliament, NORTH Link, Plenty Food Group, Regional Development Australia, La Trobe University and the seven councils in Melbourne’s north.

‘Fifty-two exhibitors were at the Expo, ranging from a producer of advanced 3D modelling software, to 16 food companies of many varieties, to toolmakers to specialist outdoor clothing manufacturers to a maker of custom-made hearses.

‘The vast range of services and products exported from Melbourne’s north is truly astounding and a major goal of the Expo is to bring innovative exporters into one place to network and learn from each other about their success,’ said Mr Butera.

‘The role of education in the support and promotion of economic development cannot be underestimated, so it is fitting this Expo was held at La Trobe University’s main Melbourne campus in Bundoora, because it is the ideas developed here that will ensure our exporters continue to succeed,’ said Professor Paul Johnson, Vice-Chancellor of the University.

The aim of the expo was to help exporters from Melbourne’s north to make new contacts and break new ground internationally. Representatives and Diplomatic Corps from twenty countries were in attendance, many travelling from Canberra especially for the event.

The event was a great success and the possibility of a similar event for 2011 is a strong possibility.